According to Deadline, Netflix has officially announced that Miya Cech (Surfside Girls, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah) will portray the fan-favorite character Toph Beifong in the upcoming second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The casting was revealed during Netflix’s Geeked Week event on Thursday, accompanied by a teaser trailer.
The role of Toph, a powerful and headstrong Earthbender, has been highly anticipated since Avatar: The Last Airbenderwas renewed for both seasons two and three. Toph is one of the most beloved characters in the Avatar universe, and fans have been eagerly awaiting casting news, with many viewing it as a crucial decision that could make or break the live-action adaptation. Toph, a blind teenage Earthbender, is known for her strength, confidence, and unfiltered personality.
As mentioned by Deadline, in June, Netflix launched an open casting call to find an Asian actor for the role, specifically encouraging submissions from blind and low-vision performers. The casting call described Toph as “sassy, confident, and unfiltered,” noting her suppressed Earthbending abilities, which she eventually unleashes as the Avatar’s Earthbending master. Toph’s character is expected to bring a new dynamic to the series, as she helps Aang, the young Avatar, in his journey to master all four elements.
According to Deadline, the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place in a world divided into four nations—Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads—each home to “Benders,” who can manipulate their nation’s corresponding element. Aang, played by Gordon Cormier, is the Avatar, the only individual capable of bending all four elements. The series stars Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai.
Also mentioned by Deadline, Cech’s casting as Toph adds to her growing list of acting credits. She is no stranger to Netflix, appearing in the 2023 film You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah and an episode of the limited series Beef. She also starred in the Apple TV+ children’s adventure series Surfside Girls.
The production for season two is now underway, and fans are eagerly awaiting how Cech brings this iconic character to life in the beloved Avatar universe.